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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Bulova Accutron 'Coffin' Day-Date

Partially verified

This Bulova Accutron 'Coffin' Day-Date wristwatch is an electronic timepiece featuring a tuning fork movement, produced in 1972. The watch is powered by the Accutron Caliber 218 movement, which operates at a frequency of 360 hertz and utilizes a stem-and-crown configuration. The exterior is characterized by a stainless steel 'coffin' case, designed with faceted, architectural lines. It houses a brown dial featuring applied Breguet-style numerals, a central handset, and a day-date aperture. The watch is presented on a stainless steel link bracelet. The caseback bears the 'N2' date code, identifying it as a 1972 production year. This model belongs to the 218 series of Accutron watches, which shifted away from the earlier 214 design language, incorporating a more conventional crown placement for adjustment and setting. The timepiece is currently part of the Accutron Factory Certified Pre-Owned program.

Front view of the Bulova Accutron 'Coffin' Day-Date showing the brown dial and faceted stainless steel case.
Front view of the Bulova Accutron 'Coffin' Day-Date showing the brown dial and faceted stainless steel case. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
AS11771
Source-reported date
1972
Source-reported place
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Movement and Function

The watch is powered by the Bulova Accutron Caliber 218, a battery-operated movement that utilizes a 360-hertz tuning fork to regulate timekeeping rather than a traditional balance wheel. This mechanism is known for producing an audible hum and maintaining high accuracy relative to the mechanical standards of its era.

The Caliber 218 series represents an evolution from the preceding 214 movement, moving toward a more conventional stem-and-crown configuration. This allows for standard adjustment and winding processes, distinguishing it from earlier iterations of the Accutron system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inside beats, or rather, vibrates, the legendary Accutron Caliber 218 tuning fork movement”
  • “regulated by a 360-hertz tuning fork instead of a traditional balance wheel”
  • “The 218 series marked a shift from the earlier 214, introducing a more conventional stem-and-crown configuration”

Case and Dial Design

The watch features a stainless steel 'coffin' case characterized by faceted, elongated geometry. The crown is located on the side of the case, positioned at the 4 o'clock mark.

The dial is finished in a brown tone that varies in intensity depending on lighting conditions. It is appointed with applied Breguet-style numerals and a handset, complemented by a day-date aperture window located at the 3 o'clock position, which provides calendar functionality.

Evidence for this section
  • “The stainless steel “coffin” case — elongated, faceted, and unapologetically architectural”
  • “rich brown dial that leans into the era’s earth-tone palette”
  • “Applied Breguet-style numerals, a clean handset, and a Day-Date window”

Authentication and Dating

The watch is dated by the 'N2' code inscribed on the caseback. Per the source, the letter 'N' identifies the decade as the 1970s, while the numeral '2' confirms the production year as 1972.

This specific timepiece is sold under the Accutron Factory Certified Pre-Owned program. According to the auction description, all watches in this program undergo inspections by watchmakers to verify authenticity and function.

Evidence for this section
  • “bearing the “N2” date code on its caseback”
  • “The "N" signifies the 1970s decade, and the "2" indicates the specific year 1972”
  • “Each Accutron timepiece undergoes rigorous inspection and certification by expert watchmakers”

Open research questions

  • Are the indices and hands original to this specific reference?
  • What are the exact dimensions of the coffin case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Accutron 'Coffin' Day-Date
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBulova“Bulova Accutron”
Date CodeN2“bearing the “N2” date code on its caseback”
Production Year1972“the "2" indicates the specific year 1972”
MovementAccutron Caliber 218“Inside beats, or rather, vibrates, the legendary Accutron Caliber 218 tuning fork movement”
Frequency360-hertz“regulated by a 360-hertz tuning fork”
Case MaterialStainless steel“The stainless steel “coffin” case”

Visible details

  • Faceted stainless steel case
  • Brown dial with applied numerals
  • Day-date calendar aperture at 3 o'clock
  • Crown positioned at 4 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement condition is not visually verified
  • The original extent of factory refurbishment is not detailed

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Bulova Accutron 'Coffin' Day-Date

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record cff665faa4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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